About

GaymerX #EveryoneGames

$91,388

pledged of $25,000 goal

1,531

backers

ABOUT THIS PROJECT

Community is important. We believe that there are a great number of Gay, Lesbian, Transgender, Gender Queer, and Bisexual folks out there, of every color and creed, that at the end of the day, love to geek out. Geek about video games, tabletop games, tech, comics - all that fun stuff. And we believe that creating a community for these folks, Gaymers as they are affectionally dubbed, is important to help shape a more tolerant and safer space in gaming. After all, everyone games.

The
stereotypes about gamers are many, but the core is the perception that
gamers are usually straight white guys in dark rooms furiously mashing
at a controller. That’s not the reality. Gamers come in all sizes, genders, races, and sexual identities. Unfortunately
stereotypical bias among gamers does exist and it can make a hostile
environment for minorities in the gaming community. Hang around an
online game long enough and you’ll start hearing homophobic, racial, and
misogynistic slurs slung around without a second thought. Gamers, as a whole, have
had to make space for themselves in a society that, for a long time, treated them as outsiders. They
have come together and created a real community of people, but one that is not
always welcoming if you don’t fit into the mold. Just like most
gamers, queer geeks and gaymers want that same sense of community and
belonging. Therefore we intend to create a space where all gamers and
queer geeks can come together in a welcoming and safe space.

This space is GaymerCon.

We
are creating a convention where all types of geeks can come together,
meet others like them, and have a blast without having to worry about what their peers think of them or being discriminated against.. We will have exhibitor space, cosplay,
guest speakers, live music, panel discussions on topics that are
directly relevant to our interests, gaming industry professionals who
support including queer content in their products, social events, and of
course…GAMING!

We will also have events and activities that target other areas of geek and tech culture besides gaming. From tabletop gaming to geek chic, from panels by tech leaders to cosplay and live music- we hope to have something for everyone.

We
want to be clear this isn’t just for gay white dudes either. We want
all genders, races, and sexual identities including our straight friends
and allies to come together and have a gay, geeky good time. We believe
very strongly that creating a space like this is not only important for
building a strong community, but also showing new generations of
gaymers that there are others like them out there, they are not alone,
and there is a welcoming place for them, not just at GaymerCon, but as part of the larger gaming community.

WHAT THE MONEY IS FOR

GaymerCon
is going to happen no matter what in the late summer of 2013, but big events
like this don’t happen by magic and certainly aren’t cheap. This is
where you come in. Without any donations we will create a great space
for gaymers to come together, build community, and have fun. WITH your
donations however, we can reserve swankier and more centrally located
venues, book more geeky bands to play for you, have more consoles and
games to play on, have cool prizes for contests, and more. Basically the
more you give, the more you get out of the con when you come. If we
raise lots and lots of money, it will get the attention of the gaming
industry, making them more likely to come to the show too so you can see
their awesome stuff, but also let them know there is a market out there
for gaymers and maybe they should pay attention to you. All this for
what it costs for a day pass to most other conventions....oh and did we
mention that almost all pledges come with a free pass to the con? Yup.
That’s a thing. Go ahead and go donate. We’ll wait.

Can't come to GaymerCon? We also have sticker packs and Blue/Red GaymerCon Bitroms, for those supporters who want a little more Gaymer in their lives.

HOW DO YOU KNOW WE WON’T JUST SPEND THE MONEY ON MOUNTAIN DEW AND CHEETOS

We
know we can make Gaymercon a success because we are already experienced
in being successful. We have a team of extremely talented, connected,
amazing folks on the team including engineers and business folks at top
startups here in San Francisco. These include Jack DeVries out of IGN,
Zach Weiner from SMBC Comics which is one of the largest comics and
websites in the world and Matt Conn from the founding team of BandPage, as well as other visionaries and leaders from the LBGT & fundraising
world.

Also: Cheetos and Mountain Dew? Ew.

Please consider contributing and we hope to see you in August 2013.

Wait...you’re
still not convinced? Alright. Fine. Time to bring out the big guns.
What if I told you that a certain evil computer from a certain video
game that starts with a “P” and ends with an “ortal” thought you should?
You really going to say no to her?

See you at GaymerCon 2013!

Tweet at us at @GaymerCon or follow us at facebook.com/gaymercon to stay up to date. We won't camp at your spawn point. Promise.

FAQ

Who are you?

We are a bunch of geeks and allies based mostly around the Bay and Seattle areas. Most of us work in the tech or gaming space.

Why isn't there a venue set?

That's one of the main reasons why we're holding this Kickstarter - depending on demand and the amount raised, we'll be able to find a location that fits the expected attendance. The more we raise, the more awesome the space we can get, and hopefully get some awesome panels and bosses of honor, too!

Why is it in San Francisco? Why isn't it in ______?

San Francisco is where the highest concentration of gaming, geekdom, tech, and gay communities all coincide, and for year one, we want to make sure it is in an area where there is already, what we hope, is strong demand.

Who are Conway and Turing?

Conway and Turing are based off of two LGBT geek heroes that we wish to honor as well as help educate the young folks on: Alan Turing, with whom we would not all the amazing technology and toys that we have to today, and Lynn Conway, engineering pioneer and activist for the transgender community.

I'm under 18 - Can I go?

For at least the first year, GaymerCon will be an 18+ event. Although we understand that helping create a safe space for youth is just as important to our mission, for year one, there are a lot of insurance and liability issues to take into account with minors. If you'd still like to come, please let us know so we can gauge demand!

I'm Straight! Can I come?

Of course! We want to create a gaming and tech event that focuses on queer issues and themes, not the other way around. Similar to Gay & Lesbian film festivals and cultural events, we welcome all and hope to provide a fun, exciting, vibrant community that is in no way closed off from the rest of the gaming community.

I don't think something is a good idea becuase of [valid reason]/I would like to see [something cool]

We are always down to discuss and help explain our point of view and also listen to, and learn, from others. We are forging new ground with GaymerCon and a helping build a new community - and we want to hear what you think. Please drop us a line on fb or @gaymercon

I would like to troll you because...

Be nice, please. We're trying to create something that we believe can help make the lives of gay geeks around the world a bit more interesting and more social. We can take the heat, but we'd prefer if you could please keep it civil.

Wait, I'll only sponsor this if I can get in the field reccomendations from my peers set to Japanese chiptune music.

Got it.

NEW!

STRETCH GOALS!!

35K - GAYMERCONCERT! (UPDATE: WE DID IT!!!) GaymerCon will hold a GaymerConcert on Saturday night, bringing in musicians and bands that appeal greatly to the Gaymer community, for a night of drinking, dancing and socializing! Chiptune slow dance, anyone?

50K - GAYMER BRUNCHFAST FOR THOSE PLEDGING $100+! (UPDATE: WE DID THIS TOO!!!!) Many of you have said that you wish you could have lunch with us on Sunday, but we wanted to make sure that that was special to those who donated at that level. However, we really want to meet with everyone one of you, soooo... if we hit $50K, everyone who has donated $100 or more will be invited to have free breakfast with us the Sunday morning of the con. This will be a bigger group, but we'll still try to make our way around to thank each one of you in person. It will be our honor to do so. If you've already pledged below $100 and want to join...just up it to $100 and you're in.

60K- CELEBRITY BOSS OF HONOR:(UPDATE: SUPER FINAL BOSS MODE UNLOCKED!) GaymerCon will bring in a real awesome celebrity to be an official BOSS OF HONOR. Think of all the gay, lesbian, trans, and allied geek celebrities out there - who would YOU like to see?

100K: GAYMERCONNECT: We want to build an app - web first, then mobile, called GaymerConnect. The idea? That you can easily go in and find other Gaymers to play your favorite games with. Playing Call of Duty? Here are all the Queer Clans. Looking for someone to fight against in Street Fighter 4? Here are 20 awesome geeks to play against.

The best (and most relevant) part: we can coordinate GaymerConnect with GaymerCon itself, setting up an easy and instant way for you to connect online with all the awesome people you meet at the con.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 10 or more
About US$ 10

SUPPORTER STICKER PACK:

You rock. - thank you for helping to make this a reality. GaymerCon will send you a pack of small and large GaymerCon stickers -stick them on your computer, car, favorite SNES cartridge or dog! He won't mind.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 45 or more
About US$ 45

BLUE OR RED GAYMERCON BITROM + STICKER PACK:

Want to support the Con, but can't make it? Or just love the design of these cool BitRoms? Or want to trick your BMO into thinking you bought it a new game? Well here's your chance - comes in Fire Red and Leaf..err..Water Blue.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 50 or more
About US$ 50

DONATOR PACK (OR FOR COUPLES/GROUPS): By Request! Love the idea, and just want to see this succeed and be able to get those who normally wouldn't be able to afford to come a chance to attend? Or are a couple/group of folks that all want to come together? At this level, we will give you (2) COIN ENTERED badge codes, and (1) additional COIN ENTERED code (and STICKERS) for each multiple of $25 over $50 that you put in. Easy peasy.

Pledge US$ 70 or more
About US$ 70

Not only do you get to come to the Con, but you can also get one of these limited edition collectible BitRom necklaces with Turing & Conway fighting! This edition is exclusive to this Kickstarter and will never be on sale again! Ever!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 95 or more
About US$ 95

BOSS MODE + STICKER PACK: Aww yeah - you're a regular old bowser ain't ya. VIP badges for GaymerCon with cool bonus features, a GaymerCon Collectible T-Shirt and are invited to our Bosses Only Party & Fundraiser Event on Friday Night, August 2nd. VIP Passes will be going for $150 at the door.

Come meet other LGBT nerds and visionaries and get drinking! - Start the con off right and early! :)

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 99 or more
About US$ 99

ARTIST TABLE: Hey artist~ Yes you! You want to get your art out to the Gay Geek community? Your pledge will get you access to a COIN ENTERED BADGE as well as a reserved spot at the artist tables to do sketches, badges, and sell small trinkets and +3 ice goblets and all that fun nerd stuff.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 110 or more
About US$ 110

BITROM TRIPLE PACK: Want all three bitroms? Turing, Conway and the Limited Edition Kickstarter one? We hear ya. At this level, you get all three bitroms, and don't forget that you can either +$25 to your order for a COIN ENTERED badge or +$90 for a BOSS MODE badge. Woop de woop!

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 170 or more
About US$ 170

ASK A GAMING PRO!: 1 BOSS MODE, 2 BITROMS OF YOUR CHOICE (*except gold), AND JAMES PORTNOW OF RAINMAKER GAMES WILL SKYPE WITH YOU. Ever wanted to ask advice about how to break into the gaming industry? Got burning questions about the inner workings of big game developers? Want to just geek out with one of the creators of the popular web series Extra Credits? Now you can. Pledge this level and James Portnow will skype with you for at least 30 minutes and you can take advantage of his industry experience, expertise, and general awesomeness.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 199 or more
About US$ 199

PLAYER 2 HAS JOINED THE GAME: 1 BOSS MODE PASS + GRAB BAG OF AWESOME MERCH FROM ALLY GEEK COMPANIES: Lots of companies out there think GaymerCon is such a good idea, they gave us a bunch of free stuff to shower on you for donating. This pack includes 1 Penny Arcade Mug, 1 Penny Arcade First Party Notebook, 1 Three Day Pass to Emerald City Comicon in Seattle, 1 Mega64 Time DVD, 1 Reformat the Planet Chiptune Documentary DVD, 1 Red vs Blue Season 10 DVD from Roosterteeth, and The Chainsawsuit Initiative by Kris Straub.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 200 or more
About US$ 200

BOSS MODE + STICKER PACK + BITROM OF YOUR CHOOSING* (*except gold) + FRAMED CUSTOM “VIDEO GAME STYLE” PORTRAIT OF YOU ON THE WALLS OF GAYMERCON (that you get to keep!): So you get all that good BOSS MODE amazing stuff, right? Well, what if - and stick with us here, we got a really awesome artist to make a portrait of you (and/or your partner) to adorn our fine fair walls for all to see and gaze upon. Once the Kickstarter is over, we’ll want you to send over your bio, gamertag, and more, and will post your core stats (STR: 7? Eww) and info next to your portrait- and maybe people will be so taken with your charming illustrated gaze and sharp wit that you’ll end up with an inbox full of friend requests. Please note: You won't get to actually get your portrait until at or after the con. Because it's art. And art belongs on walls. Also, it will be cool art.

Pledge US$ 250 or more
About US$ 250

Oh, ye want to be a high roller do ye? Not only do you get to enter BOSS mode, but you also get one of 15 gold Turing & Conway's Adventure BitRoms, as well as a private luncheon with the Bosses of Honor and GaymerCon crew on August 4th. You will get 2 additional BOSS MODE badges as well for friend/enemies.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 250 or more
About US$ 250

BOSS MODE + GAYMERCON VIDEO THANKING YOUR SWEET BOD (OR WHATEVER) + BITROM OF YOUR CHOICE* (*except gold) + 2 BOSS MODES FOR YOUR POSSE + STICKER PACK: Just added to meet demand!! Since we have a limited # of gold cartridges, we decided instead that you could get any cartridge of your choice (except gold), but we'd also make you a (funny) video thanking you and post it on our Youtube. You also get boss mode, as well as 2 additional BOSS MODE badges as well for friend/enemies.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 350 or more
About US$ 350

BEATMANIA 2P BOSS MODE: 2 BOSS MODE BADGES + 2 GAYMERCONCERT BACKSTAGE PASSES + 2 BITROMS OF YOUR CHOICE (*except gold) - Video gamer & Music lover? Producer? Just want to hang with some musical musicians of coolness and sip on whatever it is that they sip on? Come on in, ze water is fine. You and your "friend" will be bleeping and bloopin in no time.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 350 or more
About US$ 350

THE CAKE IS NOT A LIE: 2 BOSS MODE BADGES + BITROM OF YOUR CHOICE (*except gold) + ELLEN MCLANE, THE VOICE OF GLADOS, WILL RECORD YOU A MESSAGE. Really. Want to use her as your ringtone, voicemail greeting, or have her propose to your special someone for you? As long as you keep it 30 seconds or less she will say whatever you want! (within reason...nothing naughty or crazy here kids) This will be delivered digitally.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 350 or more
About US$ 350

THE SNIPER SPECIAL: 2 BOSS MODE BADGES + BITROM OF YOUR CHOICE (*except gold) + PATRICK LOWRY, THE VOICE OF THE SNIPER FROM TF2, WILL RECORD YOU A MESSAGE. Really. Want to use him as your ringtone, voicemail greeting, or have him propose to your special someone for you? As long as you keep it 30 seconds or less he will say whatever you want! (within reason...nothing naughty or crazy here kids) This will be delivered digitally.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 500 or more
About US$ 500

LINE? I DON’T SEE A LINE: 2 BOSS MODE BADGES + 2 BITROMS OF YOUR CHOICE (*except gold) + 2 PORTRAITS + YOU BOTH GET TO BE AT THE FRONT OF THE LINE FOR EVERYTHING : Hate waiting in line for panels, concerts, or just getting in the exhibition hall? Well you need wait no more. At this level you gain access to a special secondary line at all panels, concerts, and getting into the exhibition hall when it opens. This line goes in before the others so you get primo access all weekend long. Note: Anyone who donates $500 or more gains this privilege line privledge.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 700 or more
About US$ 700

8-BIT BALLER: You're like a NES - you're the real deal, quality over quantity and the masses respect you for it. You will be listed on the back of the each program, along with all the sponsors, as one of the honorary founders who helped made GaymerCon happen and will get a custom drawing of Alan Turing (or whatever you'd like) from Zach Weiner, creator of SMBC-Comics. You will also get 4 BOSS MODE PASSES, a GOLDEN BITROM, SUNDAY SUPER LUNCHEON, and a hug.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 1,500 or more
About US$ 1,500

16-BIT SPONSORSHIP:
Like the Sega Genesis or Super Nintendo, you got that extra pep in your step to take your game to the next level. Being an 8 Bit Sponsor gets you a table in the main expo area as well as banner space, 1 item for the VIP/BOSS bag, 5 BOSS MODE passes, 5 BITROMS (OF ANY DESIGN), and placement on the GaymerCon book and website, and our everlasting love.

You'll be able to get in front of swarms of eager gaymers, showing off your new products and wares, as well as give the BOSSES some extra swag to help promote your goodies.

Kickstarter is not a store.

Pledge US$ 6,464 or more
About US$ 6,464

64-BIT SPONSORSHIP: Mario 64. Goldeneye. Ocarina of Time. Esteemed company. 64 bit sponsors get prime real estate table/booth as well as top banner space, a booth at the VIP/BOSS event on August 2, 10 BOSS MODE passes, 10 BITROMS ( OF ANY DESIGN), and up to 3 items for the VIP/BOSS swag bag.

If you believe that getting in front of the gay geek market is a good idea, this will get you the most coverage and attachment to the project!